Defending champion Creamline rallied from a 1-2 set deficit to pull off a five-set victory over Cignal, 17-25, 25-17, 22-25, 25-11, 15-8, for its first win in the 2025 Premier Volleyball League (PVL) Invitational on Thursday at the Philsports Arena in Pasig City.
The Cool Smashers had previously swept the HD Spikers in straight sets, 25-17, 29-27, 25-17, during the PVL On Tour bronze medal match last Sunday. Tonight, they once again asserted their dominance over the same squad to even their record at 1-1.
Michele Gumabao, the reigning MVP of the tournament, spearheaded Creamline’s attack with a game-high 22 points built on 18 attacks and four blocks, while also contributing 15 excellent digs.
Jema Galanza provided steady support with 18 points off 16 attacks, one block, and one ace, while also tallying 17 excellent receptions.
“Siguro unang-una, na-sweep din [nila] kami nung first round ng eliminations then nakabawi kami. Ibang iba na ‘yung mga games, talagang magkakakilala na, sa tingin ko ang naging advantage namin ‘yung experience ng team,” said Cool Smashers head coach Sherwin Meneses.
(C) PVL Images
After dropping the third frame, Creamline avoided another collapse by dominating the fourth set, 25-11, to force a decider. Riding that momentum, the Cool Smashers opened the fifth with a blistering 7-3 start, highlighted by Gumabao’s three-point scoring burst.
Cignal countered with a 3-1 run to trim the gap to 6-8, but Gumabao and Alyssa Valdez delivered back-to-back hits. Gel Cayuna then committed two straight errors, sparking a 4-0 spurt that widened the lead to 12-6.
Valdez misfired on an attack in the following play, but Sheena Toring responded with a quick hit before Galanza scored off a floating ball to bring Creamline to match point at 14-7.
Although Valdez missed her serve on the next rally, Galanza closed it out with a sharp cross-court kill to seal the victory after two hours and 21 minutes of play.
“Yun ‘yung pinakamalaking advantage namin dito sa Invitational. Especially total team effort ‘yung nangyari ngayon kahit nag-five sets,” Meneses added.
Valdez turned in an all-around performance with a triple-double of 11 points, 12 excellent digs, and 14 excellent receptions. Setter Kyle Negrito orchestrated the offense with 32 excellent sets and chipped in four points.
Panaga and Toring also contributed eight and seven markers, respectively.
Creamline will next face Chery Tiggo on Saturday at 6:30 PM.
(C) PVL Images
Meanwhile, Cignal fell to 0-2 in the six-team tournament. Heather Guino-o paced the HD Spikers with 21 points, 12 excellent digs, and seven receptions, but was shut down in the fifth set.
Erika Santos, fresh from an MVP run in the PVL On Tour, was limited to just 11 points.
The HD Spikers will attempt to notch their first win against PLDT, also on Saturday at 4:00 PM.
